Retinal Vein Occlusion

What is Retinal Vein Occlusion?

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is a common vascular disorder of the retina that occurs when one of the veins carrying blood away from the retina becomes blocked. This blockage leads to a backup of blood and fluid, causing swelling, bleeding, and reduced oxygen supply to the retina.

RVO can result in sudden or gradual vision loss, depending on the severity and location of the blockage.

Types of Retinal Vein Occlusion

Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO):

The main vein draining blood from the retina becomes blocked, often causing sudden, painless vision loss in one eye.

Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO):

A smaller branch of the main retinal vein is blocked, typically resulting in partial vision loss or blurry vision in one area of the visual field.

Risk Factors

You may be at higher risk for RVO if you have:

High blood pressure (hypertension)
Diabetes
High cholesterol
Glaucoma
Cardiovascular disease
Smoking
Age over 50

Symptoms

Symptoms of retinal vein occlusion may include:

Sudden or gradual painless vision loss in one eye
Blurred or distorted vision
Dark spots or floaters
Visual field defects (missing areas in your vision)

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of RVO involves a comprehensive eye examination, which may include:

Dilated retinal examination
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) to assess retinal swelling
Fluorescein angiography to evaluate blood flow and areas of blockage
Blood pressure and blood tests to identify underlying risk factors

Treatment Options

While there is no cure for RVO, several treatments can help manage complications and improve vision:

Intravitreal injections:

Medications such as anti-VEGF agents (e.g., ranibizumab, aflibercept, bevacizumab) or steroids to reduce macular swelling and improve vision.

Laser therapy:

Focal or grid laser may be used in some cases to treat areas of retinal swelling or prevent abnormal blood vessel growth.

Management of underlying conditions:

Controlling blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol is essential to reduce the risk of further eye or systemic complications.

Ongoing Care

Regular follow-up visits are important to monitor for recurrence, complications, or the development of new blood vessels. Early detection and treatment of complications can help preserve vision.

Our Approach

We provide comprehensive evaluation, advanced imaging, and the latest treatment options for retinal vein occlusion. Our goal is to help patients maintain their best possible vision and quality of life through personalized care and ongoing support.

Patient Resources

If you have additional questions or need support, please contact our office. We are here to help you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is retinal vein occlusion painful?

No, RVO is usually painless. Vision changes may occur suddenly or gradually.

Can vision return to normal after RVO?

Some patients experience significant improvement with treatment, especially if started early, but some degree of vision loss may be permanent.

What causes retinal vein occlusion?

RVO is most often caused by blood clots or hardening of the arteries, and is associated with conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

Can RVO happen in both eyes?

It usually affects one eye, but people with RVO are at higher risk of developing it in the other eye.

How can I reduce my risk of RVO or recurrence?

Managing blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol, not smoking, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk.

Will I need ongoing treatment?

Most patients require regular treatment with eye injections and monitoring to manage swelling and prevent complications.